Indiana Football: Predicting the offensive depth chart

During the three years that Kevin Wilson has been the head coach of the Indiana football team, the offense has been consistently successful. The Hoosiers were one of six schools to rank in the top 30 in total, passing and rushing yards, as well as scoring. The 2014 college football season kicks off at the end of this month, and it is time to break down IU’s projected depth chart on the offensive side of the ball.

Projected 2014 Offensive Depth Chart:

Quarterback:

Nate Sudfeld, (6-foot-5, 230 pounds) Jr.

Zander Diamont, (6-foot-1, 175 pounds) Fr.

Nate Boudreau, (6-foot-3, 220 pounds) RS-So.

The Hoosiers lost significant talent this offseason when dual-threat quarterback Tre Roberson transferred to Illinois State University. The loss made junior Nate Sudfeld the clear-cut starter because he and Roberson often split time last season and no other IU quarterback has game experience. Since Sudfeld is going to have more playing time, he should have the statistics to garner him All-Big Ten honors. If an injury is too occur, the inexperience of those behind Sudfeld could be a problem.

Running Back:

Tevin Coleman, (6-foot-1, 210 pounds) Jr.

D’Angelo Roberts, (5-foot-10, 205 pounds) Sr.

Laray Smith, (6-foot, 190 pounds) So.

If his health allows him to stay on the field, look for Tevin Coleman to have a big year running the ball. The DeMarco Murray look-alike has the talent to rush for over 1,500 yards and add double-digit touchdowns because of his great vision and big-play ability. Bruiser D’Angelo Roberts and speedster Laray Smith will also be in the mix to receive some carries.

Tight End:

Danny Friend, (6-foot-5, 255 pounds) So.

Anthony Corsaro, (6-foot-1, 250 pounds) Jr.

Michael Cooper, (6-foot-5, 260 pounds) RS-Jr.

Sophomore Danny Friend will have some big shoes to fill after multi-year starter and now current Washington Redskin Ted Bolser graduated after last season. Friend certainly has the size and ability to succeed in both pass-catching and blocking, but it remains to be seen if he can produce like his predecessor. Juniors Anthony Corsaro and Michael Cooper, as well as true freshman Jordan Fuchs may get their chance if Friend is not the answer.

Wide Receiver:

Shane Wynn, (5-foot-7, 167 pounds) Sr.

Nick Stoner, (6-foot-1, 191 pounds) Sr.

Isaiah Roundtree, (5-foot-11, 200 pounds) RS-Sr.

Caleb Cornett, (6-foot-3, 205 pounds) RS-So.

Isaac Griffith, (6-foot, 195 pounds) RS-Fr.

Ricky Jones, (5-foot-10, 190 pounds) RS-So.

IU has one of, if not the best receiving corps in the Big Ten Conference due to their talent and depth. Seniors Shane Wynn and Nick Stoner will play on the outside occupying the defensive secondary’s attention with their elite speed. And redshirt senior Isaiah Roundtree can cut up defenses while playing in the slot. Since IU likes to rotate receivers often, Caleb Cornett, Isaac Griffith and Ricky Jones will likely see plenty of time as backups.

Left Tackle:

Jason Spriggs, (6-foot-7, 305 pounds) Jr.

Dimitric Camiel, (6-foot-7, 315 pounds) RS-So.

Left Guard:

Bernard Taylor, (6-foot-2, 305 pounds) Sr.

Wes Rogers, (6-foot-4, 300 pounds) RS-So.

Center:

Collin Rahrig, (6-foot-2, 290 pounds) RS-Sr.

Jake Reed, (6-foot-4, 295 pounds) RS-Jr.

Right Guard:

Dan Feeney, (6-foot-4, 305 pounds) RS-So.

Jacob Bailey, (6-foot-5, 300 pounds) RS-So.

Right Tackle:

Peyton Eckert, (6-foot-6, 305 pounds) RS-Jr.

Ralston Evans (6-foot-4, 295 pounds) RS-Jr.

IU has one of the best offensive lines in the entire NCAA. They were very successful in run blocking and pass protection last season even with a rash of injuries in 2013, which is a tribute to their depth. As of now, they are at full strength which is not good news for opposing defenses. This unit will be the driving force behind a potent offensive attack in 2014.